American Association of Orthodontists Issues Guidance That Children should have their first Orthodontic Check-up Before The Age Of Seven

February 1314:312018

Richmond Hill, ON – The American Association of Orthodontists have issued guidelines that urge parents of young children to schedule their first orthodontic check-up before their child’s seventh birthday. The Richmond Hill dental specialists at Smiles on Yonge Orthodontics are encouraging parents within the local community to make an appointment as soon as possible.

The guidelines from the American Association of Orthodontists explain that some orthodontic problems are related only to the teeth, and are referred to as dental problems, whilst others are caused by abnormalities in the shape or size of the jaw, otherwise known as skeletal problems. A check-up with an experienced orthodontic practice, such as Smiles on Yonge Orthodontics, will allow diagnosis of any issues with young children’s teeth or jaw bones. In turn, this will facilitate early intervention, which tends to result in more successful outcomes.

There are several orthodontic issues that can be detected during a childhood check-up including, but not limited to, dental crossbite, missing teeth, extra teeth, gum issues, early loss of baby teeth, impacted teeth, and severe crowding. Significant skeletal abnormalities can also be discovered and treatment commenced; such issues are best treated during the growth period of childhood, so it is especially advantageous to schedule a check-up before children turn 7 years of age.

If a child has an excessive overbite, which is caused by a larger upper jaw and/or a smaller lower jaw , or an underbite, which is caused by a smaller upper jaw and/or a larger lower jaw, this will also be detected during the check-up. Treatments vary for these conditions, but the best approach is always to begin correction before the commencement of puberty. This allows the orthodontist to take advantage of natural jaw growth to improve the overbite or underbite.

Having a check-up with the orthodontic specialists at Smiles on Yonge Orthodontics will also allow any other problems related to oral habits, such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, or mouth breathing, to be identified and addressed with immediate effect.

Lifelong dental health begins with good habits and regular check-ups during childhood. Orthodontic assessment and treatment is broken down into two phases. The first, Phase I, is concerned with jaw growth and development, and early intervention if issues are detected. This usually takes place between the ages of 8 and 13. The second, Phase II, focuses on the alignment and positioning of permanent teeth, and takes place once all the adult teeth are in situ. Smiles on Yonge Orthodontics are specialists in lifelong orthodontic care, and welcome appointment requests from new and existing clients.

About Smiles on Yonge Orthodontics:

Smiles on Yonge Orthodontics is an orthodontist practice based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. The lead orthodontist is Dr Roozbeh Rashed, who has been practicing for 8 years and holds qualifications from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, and University of Toronto, Canada. The practice offers orthodontic care from young childhood through to adulthood.